Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in joint US-Israel airstrikes, Iranian state media confirmed on Sunday, marking one of the most dramatic escalations in the region in decades.
Beyond the immediate shock, military analysts say the operation appears designed not just as retaliation, but as a calculated attempt to dismantle Iran’s leadership structure and reduce its ability to threaten Israel or US forces. The scale of strikes and the profile of those targeted suggest a campaign with wider strategic objectives.
Tehran-based Fars News Agency reported that four of Khamenei’s relatives, including his daughter, a grandchild, and his son-in-law, were also killed.
US President Donald Trump announced the development on Truth Social, calling it the “single greatest chance” for Iranians to reclaim control of their country. “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” Trump wrote, describing the strike as “Justice for the people of Iran.”
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said there were “many signs indicating Khamenei is no longer,” adding that his compound had been destroyed.
What the Institute for the Study of War says about the plan
The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said the strikes were structured to “set conditions for regime change” and to prevent Iran from posing a military threat to the US or Israel.
In its initial assessment, ISW said Israel appeared to focus on what it described as “decapitation strikes”, which means targeting the top political and military leadership, while the United States concentrated primarily on military infrastructure.
According to ISW’s analysis, the strikes targeted senior figures including the IRGC commander, Iran’s defence minister, the “intelligence chief,” and the defence council secretary. The organisation cautioned that the casualty list could evolve as more information emerges.
The ISW also released maps indicating the wide geographic spread of potential targets across Iran. These include nuclear facilities, military installations and energy infrastructure.
NEW: The United States and Israel have conducted strikes on Iran designed to set conditions for regime change and to prevent Iran from militarily threatening the US or Israel. Israel has reportedly focused on decapitation strikes and military targets, while the United States has… pic.twitter.com/ENnQh6Dyp0
— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) February 28, 2026
Iran responds with missiles and Gulf base attacks
Iran reacted quickly. An Israeli military correspondent reported that roughly 35 missiles have been launched at Israel so far.
Tehran has also targeted US military bases in the Gulf. Attacks have been reported against American facilities in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
The developments mark a critical moment in Iran’s 46-year Shia-theocratic system.